Pfizer/ S-A vaccines halted in Japan

Separate vaccines from sanofi-aventis and Pfizer have had their use suspended in Japan following the deaths of four children

Separate vaccines from sanofi-aventis (S-A) and Pfizer have had their use suspended in Japan following the deaths of four children.

S-A's ActHIB, to protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Pfizer's Prevenar to prevent against pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia and meningitis, have been suspended by Japan's Health Ministry while the causes of deaths of four inoculated children are investigated.

According to the Associated Press, four children, age 2 years old or under, died between March 2 and March 4, with the deaths occurring within a three day period of the vaccines administration.